Kimmy Rutledge, the breakout star of Netflix's number one show, "Obliterated," recently sat down for an exclusive interview to discuss her journey into the entertainment industry and her experience filming the hit series. In this insightful conversation, Kimi opens up about her audition process, the challenges of her character Maya, and the unexpected twists on set.
Introduction to the Cave:
Kimi is welcomed to the conversation, highlighting the excitement surrounding her role in "Obliterated" and the overwhelming response to the show.
Audition and Early Career:
Kimi shares her path to acting, revealing that she initially lacked confidence but decided to pursue her passion in 2019. Despite the challenges of 2020, she landed her first major role in "Obliterated" after a series of auditions.
The Show's Success:
Discussing the show's success, Kimi expresses gratitude for the positive reception, emphasizing the joy of seeing a project she worked on for so long now captivating audiences worldwide.
Filming Experience:
Kimi provides insights into the filming process, sharing details about the initial wrap in November, joining an already established cast, and the supportive environment on set.
Career Goals
While Kimi acknowledges internal goals, she emphasizes the overarching desire to collaborate with the best in the industry and contribute to creating outstanding work.
Exploring Different Roles:
Expressing a love for comedy, Kimi talks about her roots in stand-up and the importance of branching out to embody various characters, keeping an open mind for future roles.
Family Influence:
Kimi shares the artistic roots in her family, revealing her connection to a famous Japanese comedic actor and her family's overall support for her acting journey.
Comedy and Influences:
Kimi expresses a soft spot for comedy, highlighting her admiration for performers like Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Florence Pugh, and Steve Buscemi, showcasing the diversity of her taste.
"Obliterated" Audition Journey:
Delving into her audition process, Kimi talks about the surprise callback, the nerve-wracking screen test, and the unexpected twists leading to her eventual casting.
Challenges in the Role of Maya:
Kimi discusses the challenges of portraying Maya, emphasizing the character's whiny tendencies and the struggle to balance vulnerability with comedic elements.
Personal Connection with Maya:
Kimi draws parallels between her own feelings of being a newcomer on set and Maya's experiences, highlighting the character's journey to find confidence and strength.
Favorite Scenes and Quotes:
Reflecting on her favorite scenes, Kimi mentions the fantasy sequence in episode seven and the hospital scene, showcasing Maya's emotional depth. She also shares appreciation for Maya's earnest quotes.
On-Screen Relationships:
Kimi talks about the fun of collaborating with Shelley Hennig (Ava) and Nick Zano (Chad), shedding light on the intricate dynamics between their characters.
Stunt Work and Scorpions:
Addressing stunt work, Kimi explains the mix of real stunts and CGI, detailing the fun and cathartic experience of shooting the scorpion scenes with Paola Lazaro (Gomez).
Varsity Blues Reference:
Discussing the whipped cream scene inspired by "Varsity Blues," Kimi reveals it was part of the audition and expresses her lack of familiarity with the reference.
Expectations for Season Two:
While there's no confirmation for a second season yet, Kimi expresses hope for future opportunities and shares her desire to work more with Terrence Terrell
Collaboration with Creators: Kimi commends the creators of "Obliterated" for their collaborative approach, citing their openness to improvisation and attention to actors' ideas.
Audience Reactions and Social Media:
Kimi shares her positive surprise at the overwhelming support and kind messages from fans on social media, highlighting the unexpected positivity of online interactions.
Future Projects:
Looking ahead, Kimi mentions that the industry is slowing down for winter, expressing excitement for potential future projects in the new year.
Closing Thoughts:
Kimi hopes viewers walk away feeling the earnestness and vulnerability she brought to Maya, connecting with the character on a relatable level.
Kimmy Rutledge's journey from an unknown actor to the star of Netflix's top show is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and the unexpected opportunities that can arise in the world of entertainment. As audiences eagerly await news of a second season for "Obliterated," Kimi continues to shine as a rising star in the industry.
Photo by - Caitlin Fisher